30/07/2025
Two Players Are Not Nigerians: Morocco Drag Super Falcons To CAF After Defeat
Following Nigeria's 3-2 victory over Morocco in the Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) final, the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) has reportedly lodged a formal protest with the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
The complaint challenges the eligibility of two Nigerian players, Ashleigh Plumptre and Michelle Alozie, alleging inconsistencies in their nationality documentation.
Morocco's protest was submitted just hours before the WAFCON final in Rabat, and sources indicate that CAF has launched an urgent legal review of the allegations.
The core of Morocco's argument is that the manner of the players' nationality switch is faulty, citing irregularities in their claims to be Nigerians.
Both players were born outside Nigeria but chose to represent the Super Falcons at the senior level.
It's important to note that Ashleigh Plumptre was reportedly granted approval by FIFA to play for Nigeria in 2021 after it was established that her paternal grandfather is Nigerian.
Michelle Alozie's case is said to be more straightforward, as she was born in the USA to Nigerian immigrant parents.
While the investigation is ongoing, Nigerian officials are reportedly not overly concerned about the protest, with some terming it "dead on arrival."
If CAF upholds Morocco's protest, Nigeria could be stripped of their historic 10th WAFCON title.
However, if the case is dismissed, the Super Falcons are set to receive a $1 million prize as WAFCON champions.
Beyond the player eligibility issue, Morocco has also lodged a separate complaint with CAF regarding alleged "influential refereeing errors" during the final, particularly focusing on a denied penalty and a controversial VAR review.
There have also been reports of Nigerian players being targeted with laser pointers by Moroccan supporters during the match.
